Our in-depth programs for youth span a variety of visual and performing art forms. Teaching artists work alongside Project Jericho staff to design projects that allow youth to explore and master new art forms.
When possible, youth programs may include collaboration with community organizations to deepen the impact and meaning of the experience. Most youth programs are concluded with a celebration of the artwork created, allowing the participants to connect with the community and showcase the creative processes they’ve learned.
Many of our youth programs are designed for ages 12-18, but youth of all ages are welcome to be a part of the Project Jericho family. Most programs are held during the after school hours (4pm to 7pm). Fill out our referral form if you are interested in participating!
PROGRAMS
YOUTH
Modules
Open Studio
Camps
Juvenile Detention Center
A variety of in-depth visual and performing art modules are offered each year for all ages. Together with the Project Jericho staff, professional teaching artists design projects for youth to explore and master new art forms. Whenever possible, programming includes intentional collaborations with community organizations to deepen the meaning and reach of the art experience. We prioritize public celebrations at the conclusion of projects as a way to engage a wider audience while allowing participants to showcase their creativity and achievements with their community. Age ranges vary depending on the program.
Open Studio
Youth ages 12-18 are invited to work in Project Jericho’s studio on Monday afternoons during the school year. Open Studio focuses on goal setting and accountability through self-motivated visual and performing arts projects. Professional teaching artists, staff, and volunteers are on site to encourage and support creativity, discovery, and healthy relationship building. Throughout each semester, youth plan and host art showcases and performances for audiences made up of their friends, families, and special guests.
Mondays (throughout the school year) 4-6 PM
Juvenile Detention Center
In an effort to make the arts accessible to all youth in our community, we host year-round visual and performing arts programming inside the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. Arts programming can be an introduction to the arts for participating youth, or an extension of art instruction received inside the school systems. Youth who participate in Detention Center arts programming are often navigating complex situations, and use the arts as a tool to process and heal through self-expression and reflection. Throughout the year, we welcome local, national, and sometimes international teaching artists to work with and build relationships with participating youth, often giving the youth opportunities to show leadership and be celebrated by their peers and members of the court staff and community.
We also created and continue to maintain the Bob Davidson Reading Library inside the Detention Center. This library houses over 2,400 engaging and interesting young adult books available for youth to checkout and enjoy during their stay at the center.
We provide strength-based family programming throughout the year that empower every member of the family to contribute to the creation of in-depth visual and performing arts. Camps and modules strengthen families by including both individual art experiences, as well as collaborative art that engages the entire family unit. Families also gain support from their peers by sharing their personal stories within their artwork and during public celebrations. As with our youth programs, family programming includes intentional collaborations that allow participants to gain knowledge about how to access and invest in community resources.
FAMILY
Modules
Workshops
Camp
COMMUNITY
Chalkfest
Each year we collaborate with National Trail Parks and Recreation District and the Springfield Museum of Art to host this public family festival and celebration of our annual Project Scare-a-Crow family programming. Chalkfest is hosted in downtown Springfield, and features live music, food trucks, family friendly art making spaces, and the annual Chalk Art Competition. Individuals and groups in the community sign up to compete in a Chalk Art competition along the sides of National Road Commons Park, where the winners receive a prize, and recognition in front of the community at the end of the festival. Sign-ups for the Chalk Art competition and community entries for the Scarecrow display typically begin in September each year.
Murals
When appropriate, we design programming around public murals that include and lift up the community. Public art allows youth to be part of something bigger than themselves. We have four outdoor murals in Clark County and several murals inside public lobbies and spaces.
Second Harvest Food Bank (2009)
Springfield YMCA (2014) “Upward Through the Storm”
Clark County Solid Waste District (2017) “Catching Light”
10 E Main Street (2019) “Rose City Mural”
Little Libraries
Since 2014, we have installed and maintained Little Libraries in public spaces throughout Clark County. These Libraries allow children to take and leave age appropriate books without having to leave their neighborhoods. Little Libraries are hosted and maintained by a group of community partners. The intentional placement of these libraries allow families to have an organic way to read and learn more.
Complete list of Little Library Locations:
The Corner of Sunnyside Place and North Fountain
Sponsor - Clark County Literacy Coalition
929 South Fountain Avenue
Sponsor - South Fountain Historic District
Rocking Horse 651 S. Limestone Street
Sponsor - Rocking Horse Center
2201 East High Street
Sponsor - Glaser Family
Whitacre’s Pharmacy 1574 Lagonda Avenue
Sponsor - Altrusa International
Snyder Park 1900 Park Street near the Children’s Garden
Sponsor - National Trail